Game 149: One More Saturday Night

When the Yankees went through Seattle just a month ago, it was a four game set that began on a Thursday night. CC Sabathia threw that opening game, turning in one of his finest performances as a Yankee: 8 innings, 3 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, and a season high 10 K in recording the win. It was a far cry from his first start against Seattle this year, in which he allowed 13 baserunners and 6 runs in 5.2 IP.

In the final game of last month's series, Seattle staved off a sweep behind rookie Doug Fister. Making his third Major League appearance and just his second start, Fister went 7 innings, gave up 8 hits, 3 runs, walked no one, and fanned four to get his first Big League victory. He's had mixed results since then, some great starts, some poor starts. He comes into tonight at 2-2 with 3.53 ERA (122 ERA+) and a 1.25 WHIP.

The Yankees trot out the "A" line-up, save for Jorge Posada who is serving the third and final game of his suspension. Also, as had been rumored, Ian Kennedy has been called up to work out of the bullpen and as a spot starter. In two abbreviated starts in the minor league playoffs, Kennedy was impressive as he works his way back from aneurysm surgery. This is a far cry from last September when Kennedy's poor performance and poorer attitude prevented him from getting the call once rosters expanded.

I like Saturday afternoon games. Early Saturday afternoon games, as the late ones mean a FOX telecast and potentially the unlistenable tandem of Buck and McCarver. I don't mind the occassional Saturday night game; it frees up the afternoon and gives something to watch before heading out for the night. But these West Coast Saturday night games are tough. They start so damn late and end even later. At least this time through the Emerald City we had a full slate of great college football games to pass the day away, though I'm not sure Phil Hughes would agree with that.

Still, when a game like last night's happens it's probably best to put that one behind you as soon as possible. Today's wait for first pitch seemed interminable. Anyway, counting tonight there are only three Saturdays left in the 2009 regular season. Next weekend will be a late afternoon game against Boston and then it's one more Saturday night game at Tampa Bay on the season's final weekend. Thankfully, tonight's game will be the last 10 PM Saturday night game.



I went down to the mountain, I was drinking some wine
I looked up into heaven, lord I saw a mighty sign
Writ in fire across the heaven, plain as black and white
Get prepared, there's gonna be a party tonight

Uh huh, hey, Saturday night
One more Saturday night
Hey, Saturday night